VSL#3® Probiotics
A Probiotic.org Expert Product Review
|
Product Overview |
According to the company, VSL#3 is a
highly concentrated probiotic which can
help in the management of ulcerative
colitis, an ileal pouch, or irritable
bowel syndrome. They proclaim this
supplement a “medical food” and proclaim
that on the packaging that it is “the
living shield.” |
|
Manufacturer |
This
probiotic supplement is a product of VSL
Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated, whose
parent company is Sigma-Tau
Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated. |
|
Probiotic Strain(s) |
VSL#3 includes a concentration of Lactic
Acid Bacteria. |
|
Colony Forming Units (CFU) |
VSL#3 contains 450 billion live active
cultures in each packet of powder. |
|
Listed Benefits and Studies |
The
manufacturer claims that VSL#3 is one of
the few probiotic supplements on the
market which has been studied using a
double blind control group and a
placebo. According to them, one study
showed that seventy-seven percent of the
patients taking this supplement to treat
active ulcerative colitis were
successful in getting some relief, and
there were no reported harmful side
effects. In a second study, patients who
were allergic to 5-ASA were treated with
VSL#3, and seventy-five percent had a
positive result for a period of twelve
months.
Patients using VSL#3 in studies of those
with irritable bowel syndrome reported a
twenty-five percent reduction in gas and
bloating. Additionally, according to the
company, studies have shown that those
with irritable bowel syndrome who had
trouble with diarrhea reported a
reduction in urgency when treated with
VSL#3 compared to those in the control
group.
For patients taking VSL#3 to treat an
Ileal Pouch, the company says that
studies showed a reduction in the median
stool frequency. The company lists three
other controlled studies which support
the use of VSL#3 in the treatment of
pouchitis. |
|
Method of Delivery |
VSL#3
Probiotics comes in a box of ten
packages containing powder to be mixed
in water. This solution will have a
light, lemony cream flavor. |
|
Inactive Ingredients |
Other than
the active probiotic strain, this
supplement contains maltose, silicon
dioxide, and flavoring. |
|
Listed
Directions |
The
company suggests taking one to four
packets of VSL#3 every day, but the
correct dosage should be directed by a
doctor. Put the packet of powder into
any non-carbonated drink and stir. This
product may be taken with or without
food at any time of the day. |
|
Listed
Precautions |
The
manufacturer says this product should be
used only under the supervision of a
physician. Antibiotics may inactivate
the living bacteria in VSL#3 Probiotics. |
|
Storage |
VSL#3
Probiotics must be kept chilled and is
even shipped in a refrigerated package
to protect the live active cultures. |
|
Shelf Life |
Without
refrigeration, the shelf life is about
one week, but when refrigerated, VSL#3
Probiotics should remain potent for
about two years. |
|
Place of Manufacture |
VSL
Pharmaceuticals is located in
Gaithersburg, Maryland.
|
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